Understanding how Ebola Virus spreads from mother to fetus during pregnancy
Official title: Identifying placental tissue tropism and cellular mechanisms of Ebola Virus transmission from mother to fetus in pregnancy
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10999720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Ebola virus can be passed from a pregnant mom to her baby through the placenta, aiming to find out which cells the virus targets and how it gets in, so we can better understand and protect pregnancies from this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 1UH2AI186375-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who have been exposed to Ebola Virus or are in regions where the virus is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not been exposed to Ebola Virus are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Ebola Virus (EBOV) can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her developing fetus, focusing on the role of the placenta. The study aims to identify the specific cells in the placenta that the virus targets and the mechanisms it uses to enter these cells. By examining placental tissues from infected mothers, researchers hope to uncover critical information about how EBOV affects pregnancy outcomes and fetal health. This research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for viral infections during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Ebola Virus transmission during pregnancy, ultimately protecting both mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on EBOV transmission during pregnancy, similar studies on other viruses have shown success in understanding maternal-fetal transmission dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maury, Wendy Jean — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Maury, Wendy Jean
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.